Rex Fitzgerald, age 67, of Portsmouth, Ohio, passed away on June 1, 2025, surrounded by his loving family and friends at SOMC Hospice Center.
Rex was born on September 29, 1957, in West Union, Ohio, to the late Gene and Virginia (Holsinger) Fitzgerald. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Norma Jean Fitzgerald and Alice Storer.
Throughout his life, Rex held many careers. Some of them include working at the hospital, a young manager at Domino’s, later became a semi-truck driver and owned his own trucking company, and eventually ran a car lot. Rex was an avid card player and a devoted dirt track racing fan, especially on Saturday nights when he cheered on his friends and grandson. If not at the track, he could often be found at East High School ballgames or spending cherished time with his family.
Rex is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Rosemary (Stevens) Fitzgerald; two sons, Marty Fitzgerald (Jennifer Downard) of Portsmouth, Ohio, and Rex Allen Fitzgerald (Irene) of Cincinnati, Ohio; and eight grandchildren: Katelyn Ward (Christopher) of West Portsmouth, Ohio; Stephanie Huston (Tyler) of Portsmouth, Ohio; Madison Fitzgerald, Dylan Fitzgerald, and Aria Downard, all of Portsmouth, Ohio; Chris Fitzgerald (Breanna) of Dry Ridge, Kentucky; Justin Fitzgerald (Hannah) of Williamstown, Kentucky; and Kelsey Fitzgerald of Cincinnati, Ohio.
He is also survived by eight great-grandchildren: Carter, Brantley, Averie, and Emily Huston; Lilliana and Ryker Ward; Scarlett and Bristol Fitzgerald.
Rex leaves behind his siblings: Betty Smith of West Union, Ohio; Carol Laxton (Frank) of Portsmouth, Ohio; Rosie Nehus (Elbert) of West Union, Ohio; Larry Fitzgerald (Audra) of Lucasville, Ohio; and Charlie Fitzgerald of Lucasville, Ohio.
In addition to his immediate family, Rex is also survived by a host of adopted grandchildren, extended family members, and many dear friends.
Funeral Services will be 12:00 PM noon on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at East High School in Sciotoville, 224 Marshall Ave., with Pastor Troy Fite officiating. Graveside services will follow immediately at Morris Chapel Cemetery in Blue Creek, Ohio. A visitation for friends and family will be on Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until the start of the service. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Mechler Hammer Funeral Home in Portsmouth.
